Increased death rates from heart attacks up during holidays

OHIO — Research from the American Heart Association shows rates of those dying from heart attacks during the holidays is up. 

What You Need To Know

• Doctors said Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and days before and after is where they see a significant increase in heart attacks
• According to experts, elderly patients and those with a lot of risk factors are the ones who face bigger risks
• Dr. James Cireddu tells his patients slowing things down, not over planning and keeping an eye on how they’re feeling is key

Dr. James Cireddu, a cardiologist at University Hospitals, Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, said there are a number of things going on that result in heart attacks and death from them.

“One of the most important is probably the elevated stress, emotional, even the physical stress of travel,” he said.

He added people can often get wrapped up in the planning of everything around the holidays, so much so, that they don’t take medications as they should or take care of themselves as they normally would. 

He explained the ones who tend to be targets of heart attacks are those who are elderly and those who have “either known coronary artery disease or a lot of risk factors, long term high blood pressure, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease or blockage in other vessels.” 

This is why he encourages his own patients to not over do it during the holiday and to keep an eye on how they feel. Cireddu said it’s important because one of the biggest challenges people face is ignoring signs for a few days that something is wrong. 

To be proactive, Cireddu indicated that people should: 

• Really reflect on the symptoms and try not to minimize them even if you’re traveling
• Identify symptoms of pain, pressure or discomfort in the chest 
• Watch out for a significant increase in shortness of breath, racing of the heart or dizziness